AROLAND FIRST NATION — Since the end of June work has been underway on major upgrades to the Anaconda and Painter Lake roads, marking another step forward for the Ring of Fire.
Preliminary design and early works to expand the Anaconda and Painter Lake roads began in June and are already underway, with the roads scheduled to be open by November 2030, two years ahead of schedule, explains a release.
The expansion is anticipated to include the completion of bridge upgrades, drainage system upgrades, realignment work and widening of both roads to meet two-lane secondary highway standards.
In all the project will 97 kilometres of roads and replace all 62 culverts along the corridor.
The upgrades will help to connect Highway 643 to the proposed all-season roads corridor leading to the Ring of Fire, including the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road, the Webequie Supply Road and the proposed Northern Road Link, the release adds.
Work on Anaconda and Painter Lake roads continues the momentum on Ontario’s accelerated plan to complete roads to the Ring of Fire.
Other endeavours underway include:
- Construction on the Webequie Supply Road, which started in June 2026 and will be open by November 2030.
- The Marten Falls Community Access Road is scheduled to start construction in this month and open by November 2031.
The Northern Road Link is scheduled to start construction in spring 2028 and open November 2031.
